CIM has been active in Europe for many years and it is now looking to expand its client base, assets under management in EMEA and its investment capabilities in Europe. Last January, Albert Yang was appointed as London-based Managing Director of its Institutional Client Group to spearhead business development and client engagement in the region. A year into the role, IPE Real Assets sat down with Yang to discuss his time so far and potential opportunities ahead.

First up, tell us what drew you to CIM Group? 

I was aware of the CIM name but did not know them well so, I was intrigued to find out more when the call came. Three main characteristics drew me into a deeper conversation; i) a business that’s been through cycles that is still founder owned and led, providing a unified mission and culture ii) a truly vertically integrated manager across three major asset types and iii) still a relatively unknown brand name in the region so I saw an opportunity help grow the business in the region 

Let’s dig a little deeper, why were these characteristics appealing? 

In recent times many boutique managers in the US and Europe have sold stakes in their firms or have been acquired. There are many examples how the DNA of these firms get dissolved over time. I see the Founder led model as a competitive advantage as they have developed a business around operational expertise and innovation. 

Being a truly vertically integrated investment firm, CIM controls the entire value chain. With over 900 employees it develops, leases and operates assets with a full in-house team of development managers, leasing and property teams. With boots on the ground in most major markets it provides not only live research but the ability to fix problems quickly when they arise. 

What’s CIM’s footprint in EMEA right now? 

We have been active in Europe for many years but officially opened the London office in 2021. We have six people based in London with the majority for client activities and Pavlos Yeorgaroudakis is a Managing Director of investments focused on deal origination and asset management of an existing portfolio. CIM Group has over 24 clients invested across our strategies in EMEA as of 12/31/2026 and this equates to approximately $3.5bn AUM.

Read the full ‘Thought Leadership’ article at the link below